Message from Iran’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO to the Director-General of UNESCO Condemning the Attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) and the Killing of Journalists
Dr. Ahmad Pakatchi, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran to UNESCO, sent an official letter to Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, strongly condemning the Israeli regime’s direct attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on 17 June 2025. Referring to the deaths of two media professionals in the attack, he described it as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and an act constituting a war crime. He called for a firm response from UNESCO in defense of journalists’ safety and the fundamental principles of freedom of expression. The full text of the letter is as follows: |
Ms. Audrey Azoulay
Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Dear Ms. Azoulay,
It is with profound regret and deep concern that I wish to draw your attention to the direct targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in several attacks carried out by the Israeli regime on 17 June 2025, which resulted in the deaths of the following individuals:
- Mr. Nima Rajabpour, journalist
- Ms. Masoumeh Azimi, staff member of the organization
As you are well aware, the deliberate targeting of media outlets constitutes a war crime under international humanitarian law. Furthermore, promoting the safety of journalists is one of the core pillars of UNESCO’s mandate in the field of Communication and Information, and the Organization is committed to monitoring the killings of journalists through its dedicated observatory.
In light of the above, I call upon UNESCO and you personally, as the head of this esteemed global organization, to respond appropriately to this matter and condemn in the strongest possible terms this heinous crime: the deliberate targeting of media offices and the killing of journalists. I also urge that respect for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2222, unanimously adopted in 2015 to protect journalists, media professionals, and associated personnel as civilians in situations of armed conflict, be reaffirmed.
Ahmad Pakatchi
Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran to UNESCO
